If you are looking for the original Player Roles & Duties guide that suggests player traits (preferred moves) for each role then you can now find it here: http://www.guidetofm.com/tactics/player-roles-duties.
Player roles and duties act as tactical role* templates by automatically setting player instructions, as well as by giving hidden tactical instructions in some cases.
All of the roles and duties that can be used are analysed below.
A separate theoretical analysis of roles and duties, which will be used in subsequent guides as part of the framework for creating tactics, is also provided for each positional area in the following guides:
Player Duties
The player duties, in order from higher risk to lower risk, are:
- Attack
- Support
- Defend / stopper / cover
Higher risk duties carry higher levels of tactical risk while lower risk duties carry lower levels of tactical risk.
The support duty provides a balance between the attack and defend duties. The stopper and cover duties can only be used for players in centre back playing positions*.
In addition, with some roles an automatic duty can be used. An automatic duty essentially acts as an attack duty when using higher risk team mentalities and a defend duty when using lower risk team mentalities.
Effects
The tactical instructions given to a player by higher risk duties and lower risk duties are detailed below.
Higher Risk
Selecting a higher risk duty for a player:
- Instructs the player to use a high risk mentality* to a greater extent.
- Increases the player mentality bar for the player.
- Instructs the player to use higher risk playing methods* to a greater extent as appropriate for his role.
- Selects player instructions as appropriate.
Lower Risk
Selecting a lower risk duty for a player:
- Instructs the player to use a low risk mentality* to a greater extent.
- Decreases the player mentality bar for the player.
- Instructs the player to use lower risk playing methods* to a greater extent as appropriate for his role.
- Selects player instructions as appropriate.
Player Roles
Detailed for each player role, where relevant, are:
- Variations – the playing positions* that the role can be used in and the duties that can be used with it. The possible combinations of these are the variations of the role.
- Game description – the description of the role that is provided in the game.
- Default player instructions – the player instructions that the role has before any manual editing. Player instructions set by a bar or slider are not included, except where a slider setting is fixed and so cannot be changed manually.
Sweeper
Variations
Positions:
- Sweeper
Duties:
- Defend
Game Description
The Sweeper drops behind the defensive line, aiming to sweep up through balls, pick up extra attackers and make goal saving tackles, blocks and interceptions.
His exceptional athleticism and reading of the game enable him to cover for defensive errors, take possession of loose balls from a deep position and secure possession.
He rarely, if ever, ventures forward.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
- Shoot Less Often
Libero
Variations
Positions:
- Sweeper
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Libero drops behind the defensive line, aiming to sweep up through balls, pick up extra attackers and make goal saving tackles, blocks and interceptions.
His exceptional athleticism and reading of the game enable him to cover for defensive errors, take possession of loose balls from a deep position and secure possession. However, he will also roam forwards in support of the midfield when the team has possession.
With a Support duty the Libero will step into the midfield when possession is secured and look to play balls through to attacking teammates.
With an Attack duty the Libero ventures much higher up the pitch to provide a goal scoring threat from distance alongside looking to play in teammates.
Default Player Instructions
- More Risky Passes
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
- Shoot More Often
Central Defender
Variations
Positions:
- Centre back
Duties:
- Defend
- Stopper
- Cover
Game Description
The main job of the Central Defender is to stop the opposing attackers from playing and to clear the ball from danger when required.
However, especially for more aggressive tactics, he must also possess the technique and composure to be able to help the team maintain possession and lay off simple passes to more creative players.
With a Defend duty the Central Defender will stay in line with his defensive partner and look to break up attacks, mark opposing forwards and prevent the ball from getting into the box.
With a Stopper duty the Central Defender will push ahead of the defensive line and close down players before they get to the area.
With a Cover duty the Central Defender will drop a little deeper and sweep up through balls behind the defensive line.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
- Shoot Less Often
Ball Playing Defender
Variations
Positions:
- Centre back
Duties:
- Defend
- Stopper
- Cover
Game Description
The main job of the Ball Playing Defender is to stop the opposing attackers from playing and to clear the ball from danger when required.
However, unlike standard Central Defenders the Ball Playing Defender is encouraged to launch defence splitting through balls from deep to generate counter attacking opportunities.
With a Defend duty the Ball Playing Defender will stay in line with his defensive partner and look to break up attacks, mark opposing forwards and prevent the ball from getting into the box.
With a Stopper duty the Ball Playing Defender will push ahead of the defensive line and close down players before they get to the area.
With a Cover duty the Ball Playing Defender will drop a little deeper and sweep up through balls behind the defensive line.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- More Risky Passes
Defensive Centre Back
Variations
Positions:
- Centre back
Duties:
- Defend
- Stopper
- Cover
Game Description
The main job of the Defensive Centre Back is to stop the opposing attackers from playing and to clear the ball from danger when required.
The aim is to win the ball without giving away a free kick and get it cleared safely up field in a no-nonsense manner.
With a Defend duty the Defensive Centre Back will stay in line with his defensive partner and look to break up attacks, mark opposing forwards and prevent the ball from getting into the box.
With a Stopper duty the Defensive Centre Back will push ahead of the defensive line and close down players before they get to the area.
With a Cover duty the Defensive Centre Back will drop a little deeper and sweep up through balls behind the defensive line.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
- Shoot Less Often
- More Direct Passes
- Fewer Risky Passes
Defensive Midfielder
Variations
Positions:
- Defensive midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
Game Description
The Defensive Midfielder’s main duties are to protect the defensive line from breaking attackers by closing them down quickly and to support the creative midfielders when in possession.
A key job of the Defensive Midfielder is to keep hold of the ball while the defence and attack are reorganising themselves after a period of opposition pressure.
With a Defend duty the Defensive Midfielder will hold his position between the midfield and defensive lines and recycle possession from a deep position.
With a Support duty the Defensive Midfielder will step into the midfield line and support attacking moves.
Default Player Instructions
Defend only:
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
Deep Lying Playmaker
Variations
Positions:
- Defensive midfielder
- Centre midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
Game Description
The Deep Lying Playmaker operates in the space between the defence and the midfield and aims to initiate attacking moves via pinpoint passes to players positioned higher up the pitch.
Although primarily a creative player, the Deep Lying Playmaker also has to be competent in the art of defence.
With a Defend duty the Deep Lying Playmaker will fulfil extra defensive responsibilities by holding position in front of the defence and will rarely look to support attacks.
With a Support duty the Deep Lying Playmaker will bring the ball out of defence and look for long shot opportunities as well as supplying through balls.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- Shoot Less Often
Ball Winning Midfielder
Variations
Positions:
- Defensive midfielder
- Centre midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
Game Description
Playing in central midfield the Ball Winning Midfielder’s main function is to close down the opposition and win the ball.
However, he also needs the technical skills to help the team keep possession and fashion out chances for players with attacking roles.
With a Defend duty the Ball Winning Midfielder looks to win the ball in the centre of midfield and quickly lay it off to a more creative player.
With a Support duty the Ball Winning Midfielder aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and support resulting counter attacking opportunities.
Default Player Instructions
- Close Down Much More
- Tackle Harder
Defend only:
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
- Fewer Risky Passes
Anchor Man
Variations
Positions:
- Defensive midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
Game Description
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Water Carrier’, the Anchor Man’s main duty is to sit in the hole between the defence and the midfield, intercepting moves, winning the ball and laying off simple passes to his more creative teammates.
Since his key job is to anchor the defence he doesn’t venture too far from his position either to close down the opposition or to support the more advanced players.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
- Shoot Less Often
- Fewer Risky Passes
Half Back
Variations
Positions:
- Defensive midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
Game Description
The Half Back looks to serve a role somewhere between that of an aggressive sweeper and a defensive midfielder. With a Half Back, the central defenders themselves will push higher up the pitch while the Half Back drops deeper than a standard defensive midfielder and, in addition to his defensive duties, looks to offer an outlet for quickly recycling possession when the team’s attacking play breaks down.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
Regista
Variations
Positions:
- Defensive midfielder
Duties:
- Support
Game Description
The Regista is a more aggressive version of the Deep Lying Playmaker suitable for possession-oriented systems that press high up the pitch. Given complete freedom to dictate play from deep positions, the Regista offers a dynamic and unpredictable creative outlet from behind the attack who seeks to maintain intense pressure by constantly looking for new chances as his more advanced teammates get into goalscoring positions.
Default Player Instructions
- Roam From Position
Roaming Playmaker
Variations
Positions:
- Defensive midfielder
- Centre midfielder
Duties:
- Support
Game Description
The Roaming Playmaker is the heartbeat of his team, driving forward with the ball to spearhead attacks as well as tracking back to cover defensively. Always offering a passing option to teammates, the Roaming Playmaker must have the physical attributes to maintain a high intensity as well as the technical attributes to stamp his authority on the game.
He will look to pick the ball up in deep positions and work the ball forwards with urgency, all the while keeping up with play. The Roaming Playmaker will often camp on the edge of the penalty area looking for room to shoot or to try that killer ball which creates a goalscoring opportunity.
Default Player Instructions
- Roam From Position
- Dribble More
Segundo Volante
Variations
Positions:
- Off-centre defensive midfielder
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Segundo Volante is different from the Deep Lying Playmaker in that their role is primarily a defensive one best suited to being paired with an Anchor Man, and is also different from the Ball Winning Midfielder, in that they often run with the ball, or arrive with a late run, into the opposition area in much the same way a Box To Box Central Midfielder does.
With a Support duty the Segundo Volante will look to support the attack whilst picking and choosing his opportunities to arrive late in the opposition’s penalty area.
With an Attack duty the Segundo Volante will get further forward and frequently look to arrive late in the opposition’s penalty area as well as attempting more shots on goal.
Default Player Instructions
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
- Shoot More Often
Central Midfielder
Variations
Positions:
- Centre midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
- Attack
- Automatic
Game Description
The Central Midfielder is responsible for providing an industrious and versatile link between the defence and the attack. Expected to perform a variety of tasks across the centre of the pitch, the Central Midfielder benefits from having the tactical awareness and technical ability to support both defensive and attacking play as needed.
With a Defend duty the Central Midfielder will focus more on sitting deep, curtailing opposition counter attacks and controlling the tempo of the game from the centre of the pitch.
With a Support duty the Central Midfielder will look to judiciously balance his attacking and defensive responsibilities. He will get forward when necessary but he will mainly keep to the centre of the pitch and attempt to thread passes to players in the final third.
With an Attack duty the Central Midfielder will more readily surge into the final third to support the forwards in and around the box.
With an Automatic duty the Central Midfielder will switch automatically between defend, support and attack duties according to your team mentality.
Default Player Instructions
Defend only:
- Hold Position
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Box To Box Midfielder
Variations
Positions:
- Centre midfielder
Duties:
- Support
Game Description
The non-stop dynamism of the Box To Box Midfielder enables him to contribute greatly to both defending and attacking.
In attack, he pushes up to support the forwards, often surging late into the box to get on the end of crosses and pullbacks as well as providing a threat from distance.
In defence, he harries attacking midfielders and helps protect the defensive line.
Default Player Instructions
- Roam From Position
Advanced Playmaker
Variations
Positions:
- Centre midfielder
- Wing forward
- Attacking midfielder
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Advanced Playmaker aims to drop into holes between the opposition’s midfield and defence, making himself available for his teammates’ passes and aiming to turn defence into attack in an instant.
With a Support duty the Advanced Playmaker will stay in the hole and look to spray passes to support players and forwards.
With an Attack duty the Advanced Playmaker will look to run at the defensive line from deeper positions, aiming to craft out crossing or through ball opportunities as he moves into the final third.
Default Player Instructions
- Shoot Less Often
- More Risky Passes
Wing forward only:
- Cut Inside With Ball
- Cross Less Often
Attack only:
- Dribble More
Attacking midfielder support only:
- Hold Position
Mezzala
Variations
Positions:
- Off-centre centre midfielder
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
This is the modern interpretation of the Mezzala, a central player that likes to drift wide and operate in the half-spaces. The Mezzala is essentially a central/half-winger, who likes to do his defending slightly further up the field, although he does generally have less defensive responsibility.
With a Support duty the Mezzala will seek to balance his responsibilities between more traditional midfield work and the inclination to contribute in the attacking third.
With an Attack duty the Mezzala will often leave his midfield responsibilities to his teammates whilst mainly looking to make attacking contributions in the final third.
Default Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward
- Move Into Channels
- Roam From Position
Attack only:
- More Risky Passes
Carrilero
Variations
Positions:
- Off-centre centre midfielder
Duties:
- Support
Game Description
The Carrilero – or ‘shuttler’ – is a supporting role more often than not utilised as part of a midfield three, or as two central midfielders in a diamond midfield. It is the job of these shuttlers to cover lateral areas of the pitch and link the defensive midfield area with the attacking midfield area. This is what separates the Carrileros from a Box To Box Midfielder, as they are not expected to shuttle between boxes, but merely between lines of the midfield.
Default Player Instructions
None.
Full Back
Variations
Positions:
- Full back
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
- Attack
- Automatic
Game Description
The Full Back is a key player in modern football, having to supplement his traditional defensive duties with overlapping runs down the wing to support forward play and help attacks overload the final third.
Although primarily a defensive player, he must be prepared to get forward when the team needs extra width.
With a Defend duty the Full Back will stay back with the defensive line and make simple possession passes down the flanks or into central midfield.
With a Support duty the Full Back will support the midfield by providing extra width and will look for crosses and through balls when the opportunity for each arises.
With an Attack duty the Full Back supplements his defensive responsibilities by overlapping the midfield and providing first time crosses into the area.
With an Automatic duty the Full Back will switch automatically between defend, support and attack duties according to your team mentality.
Default Player Instructions
Defend only:
- Hold Position
- Fewer Risky Passes
Defend and Support only:
- Cross From Deep
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
- Cross More Often
Wing Back
Variations
Positions:
- Full back
- Wing back
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
- Attack
- Automatic
Game Description
Usually playing out wide with no wing support, the Wing Back must fulfil all the attacking and defensive duties of wingers and full backs.
In attack he must be prepared to run at his man and put in aggressive crosses, in midfield to help win the possession battle and in defence to close down opponents, block crosses and win back the ball when possible.
With a Defend duty the Wing Back mainly stays deep, but will still cross the ball when in space to do so.
With a Support duty the Wing Back aims to provide angled through balls from out wide, although still crosses when the opportunity arises.
With an Attack duty the Wing Back aims to overlap down the flank to provide wide support for attacks, run at his man and get crosses in from the byline.
With an Automatic duty the Wing Back will switch automatically between defend, support and attack duties according to your team mentality.
Default Player Instructions
Defend only:
- Hold Position
- Fewer Risky Passes
- Cross From Deep
Support and Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Attack only:
- Run Wide With Ball
- Cross From Byline
- Cross More Often
Defensive Full Back
Variations
Positions:
- Full back
Duties:
- Defend
Game Description
The Defensive Full Back knows his strengths and weaknesses and focuses predominantly on his defensive duties, scarcely going forward into a more attacking role.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
- Shoot Less Often
- Fewer Risky Passes
- Cross Less Often
Complete Wing Back
Variations
Positions:
- Full back
- Wing back
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Complete Wing Back loves to attack, and whilst he is capable of occupying his defensive duties, his natural inclination is to affect the game in the opposition’s defensive third.
With a Support duty the Complete Wing Back will look to combine his attacking instincts with some defensive responsibilities in an effort to provide balance to the team.
With an Attack duty the Complete Wing Back will be a little more adventurous in his attacking exploits as he seeks to primarily impact the game in the opposition’s half of the pitch.
Default Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward
- Stay Wider
- Roam From Position
- Run Wide With Ball
- Cross From Byline
- Cross More Often
Inverted Wing Back
Variations
Positions:
- Full back
- Wing back
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
- Attack
- Automatic
Game Description
The Inverted Wing Back will function defensively much like a standard Full Back or Wing Back. However, while a normal Wing Back will offer width to an attack, the Inverted Wing Back (when he has a player ahead of him and where there are fewer than two defensive midfielders) will attempt to drift inside and create space for players around him.
If there is no teammate ahead of him on his side of the pitch then the Inverted Wing Back will look to support attacks in a more traditional manner, when there is, he will look to affect play in the middle of the pitch as much as possible.
With a Defend duty the Inverted Wing Back will hold his position and sit deeper whilst fulfilling his defensive responsibilities, either out wide or further inside the pitch depending on the system around him.
With a Support duty the Inverted Wing Back will look to cut inside with the ball, and either drift inside from the flank or move into a more central position to support the play depending on the system around him.
With an Attack duty the Inverted Wing Back aims to cut inside and adventurously support the attack by drifting inside from the flank or from a more central position depending on the system around him.
With an Automatic duty the Inverted Wing Back will switch automatically between defend, support and attack duties according to your team mentality.
Default Player Instructions
- Sit Narrower
- Roam From Position
- Cut Inside With Ball
- Cross Less Often
Defend only:
- Hold Position
- Dribble Less
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
- Dribble More
- More Risky Passes
Wide Midfielder
Variations
Positions:
- Wing midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
- Attack
- Automatic
Game Description
The Wide Midfielder performs defensive and attacking duties on the flanks, supporting the forwards, midfield and defence when required.
Generally lacking either the explosive pace or exciting dribbling skills of an out-and-out Winger, the Wide Midfielder relies on teamwork and work rate to get into dangerous attacking positions without compromising his defensive responsibilities.
With a Defend duty the Wide Midfielder will sit back and launch crosses from deep.
With a Support duty the Wide Midfielder will stay deeper and play angled through balls into the box from wide positions, although he will still cross when it is on.
With an Attack duty the Wide Midfielder looks to play quick crosses in from the final third.
With an Automatic duty the Wide Midfielder will switch automatically between defend, support and attack duties according to your team mentality.
Default Player Instructions
Defend only:
- Hold Position
- Fewer Risky Passes
- Cross From Deep
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Winger
Variations
Positions:
- Wing midfielder
- Wing forward
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Winger aims to beat his man on the outside and needs to be technically proficient as well as quick in order to do so.
The Winger hugs the touchline when the team is going forward, ready to surge into space and attack the byline.
With a Support duty the Winger’s job is to try to quickly get past his man and get in an early cross for the forwards.
With an Attack duty the Winger will try to run at the defence in the final third, aiming to cause panic and indecision prior to shooting or attempting to make a through ball/cross to a team mate.
Default Player Instructions
- Stay Wider
- Run Wide With Ball
- Dribble More
- Cross More Often
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
- Cross From Byline
Defensive Winger
Variations
Positions:
- Wing midfielder
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
Game Description
The Defensive Winger aims to press the opposing full backs, win back the ball high up the pitch and either hold it up for the rest of the team, drive to the byline or get in a quick cross or through ball for the forwards.
With a Defend duty the Defensive Winger’s job is to primarily provide insurance for the defenders behind him, working diligently to reduce the threat posed by opponents in his area of the pitch and to break up attacks higher up the pitch.
With a Support duty the Defensive Winger’s job is to try to win the ball, get past his man and get in an early cross for the forwards.
Default Player Instructions
- Close Down Much More
- Tackle Harder
- Dribble More
Defend only:
- Hold Position
Wide Playmaker
Variations
Positions:
- Wing midfielder
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Wide Playmaker will act as the team’s primary source of creativity, drifting inside to find space from which to play the killer ball and create chances. Coming in from the wing allows the Wide Playmaker to escape the hustle and bustle of central midfield and can result in him being unmarked by opposition players.
Defensively the Wide Playmaker will take up his position on the wing to provide cover for his full back; however, he is not expected to make too many tackles but instead he should take up good defensive positions and provide another body in the defensive line.
With a Support duty the Wide Playmaker will come inside to sit in a central midfield position when his team have the ball. From here he will act as the main creator for his side.
With an Attack duty the Wide Playmaker will come inside to sit in an advanced midfield position between the opposition’s defence and midfield. From here he will act as the main creator for his side. This may result in the Wide Playmaker being caught upfield and unable to get back into position for the defensive phase.
Default Player Instructions
- Sit Narrower
- Roam From Position
- Cut Inside With Ball
- Shoot Less Often
- Cross Less Often
Attack only:
- Dribble More
- More Risky Passes
Inverted Winger
Variations
Positions:
- Wing midfielder
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Inverted Winger aims to frequently cut inside into the attacking third to open up space for overlapping full backs and to subsequently overload retreating defenders. The Inverted Winger works best when the player’s strongest foot is opposite to the side of the pitch he’s playing on.
With a Support duty the Inverted Winger will cut diagonally across the defence to play the ball through the middle while overloading defenders and defensive midfielders ahead of the penalty area.
With an Attack duty the Inverted Winger will run directly at the defence with the options of shooting, passing or crossing as he moves into the attacking third.
Default Player Instructions
- Cut Inside With Ball
- Dribble More
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Inside Forward
Variations
Positions:
- Wing forward
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Inside Forward aims to cut inside from the flanks and run directly at the centre of the opposition’s defence and works best when the player’s strongest foot is opposite to the flank he is playing on.
This movement can open up space for overlapping Full Backs as well as overloading a retreating defender, although it can also end up with the player running into cul-de-sacs.
With a Support duty the Inside Forward will cut diagonally into the space behind the defence and play through balls or take long shots if the opportunity arises.
With an Attack duty the Inside Forward will run directly at the defence with the options of shooting, passing or crossing as he moves into the final third.
Default Player Instructions
- Cut Inside With Ball
- Dribble More
- Cross Less Often
Support only:
- More Risky Passes
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Trequartista
Variations
Positions:
- Wing forward
- Attacking midfielder
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Attack
Game Description
While similar to the Advanced Playmaker in that he aims to drop into the holes between the opposition’s midfield and defence, the Trequartista does far less defensively and simply drifts around looking for space when the team is not in possession.
As such, the rest of the team needs to carry him when defending, but use him as the main outlet when attacking.
Default Player Instructions
- Close Down Much Less
- Ease Off Tackles
- Roam From Position
- Dribble More
- More Risky Passes
Attacking midfielder and centre forward only:
- Move Into Channels
Wide Target Man
Variations
Positions:
- Wing forward
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Wide Target Man will be the main outlet for clearances and long balls from the back. Ideally positioned against a smaller and weaker full back, he will be asked to get hold of the ball and keep it before recycling it to a teammate.
With a Support duty the Wide Target Man is best used for relocating a tall and powerful target man to bully a smaller, weaker full back, offering knock-downs and opportunities to onrushing central players.
With an Attack duty the Wide Target Man will be the main focal point for his team and the outlet for the majority of their attacking play. Ideally positioned against a smaller and weaker full back, he will be asked to receive the ball in attacking areas and make his presence felt as he brings teammates into play in the attacking third.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Up Ball
- Dribble Less
Support only:
- Hold Position
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Raumdeuter
Variations
Positions:
- Wing forward
Duties:
- Attack
Game Description
The Raumdeuter literally translated from German means ‘space investigator’. His main role is to find pockets of space in which to operate. Essentially a wide poacher, the Raumdeuter takes up seemingly harmless positions out wide, waiting for the opportune moment to burst through the defensive line for that telling shot or cross.
He is difficult for defenders to pick up as he will often drift from his assigned position looking for any opportunity to exploit. This can result in quiet periods during which the Raumdeuter may neglect his defensive duties, therefore adequate cover and a strong team shape are key in order to fully utilise his attacking prowess in the final third.
Default Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward
- Sit Narrower
- Move Into Channels
- Roam From Position
- Cross Less Often
Attacking Midfielder
Variations
Positions:
- Attacking midfielder
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Attacking Midfielder operates higher up the pitch than a standard midfielder, so he cannot drive into space from deep in the manner of an attacking Central Midfielder.
Requiring excellent technical and mental skills, his role is to fashion chances for himself and others in the final third before the opposition defenders reduce the time and space he has to make the play.
With a Support duty the Attacking Midfielder is willing to help out with defence and tends to sit in the hole rather than get into the box.
With an Attack duty the Attacking Midfielder looks to craft out chances for his forwards alongside being a presence in the box to supplement the attack.
Default Player Instructions
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Enganche
Variations
Positions:
- Attacking midfielder
Duties:
- Attack
Game Description
The Enganche is the side’s prime creator, a hook that joins midfield and attack and operates behind the strikers and a playmaker who sticks to his position and becomes a pivot to his team as they move around him. Unlike the Trequartista, it is a more stationary role as the Enganche acts as the focal point instead of moving around into larger areas of space.
Default Player Instructions
- Dribble Less
- More Risky Passes
Shadow Striker
Variations
Positions:
- Attacking midfielder
Duties:
- Attack
Game Description
The Shadow Striker operates as the team’s main goalscoring threat. Usually coupled with a Deep Lying Forward, the shadow striker aggressively pushes forward into goalscoring positions as the ball moves into the final third and looks to close down opposing defenders when out of possession.
Default Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward
- Move Into Channels
- Dribble More
- More Risky Passes
Deep Lying Forward
Variations
Positions:
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
The Deep Lying Forward’s main function is to link the attack to the midfield.
He aims to drop deep into space and hold up the ball before supplying linking passes to teammates, moving the ball back to midfield support, spreading it wide to the flanks and, if he has time to turn, playing in his strike partner.
With a Support duty the Deep Lying Forward will largely aim to bring teammates into play before attacking the box from deep.
With an Attack duty the Deep Lying Forward will look to fashion chances for himself in addition to playing others in.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Up Ball
Support only:
- More Risky Passes
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
- Move Into Channels
Advanced Forward
Variations
Positions:
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Attack
Game Description
The Advanced Forward’s main role is to lead the line and look to spearhead attacking moves.
His primary duty is to be the focal point of attacking moves and he is required to both score and create goals.
His secondary role is to chase down misplaced through balls or clearances from deep, win possession and lay off passes or crosses to his teammates.
Default Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward
- Move Into Channels
- Dribble More
Target Man
Variations
Positions:
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
A Target Man can transform an average team into a good one by using his sheer physicality to disrupt the opposition’s defence and open up space for his strike partner and supporting midfielders.
The Target Man uses his strength and aerial presence to bring teammates into play rather than relying on technical ability.
With a Support duty the Target Man will look to win flick-ons and play simple possession passes to his teammates to bring them into play.
With an Attack duty the Target Man will lead the line and open space for teammates to move into.
Default Player Instructions
- Hold Up Ball
- Dribble Less
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
Poacher
Variations
Positions:
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Attack
Game Description
The Poacher sits on the shoulder of the last defender looking to break the defensive line and run onto through balls from midfield.
Although the Poacher is always ready to run at his marker and is happy to cross the ball when required, his main aim is trying to put the ball in the back of the net.
His focus on scoring goals is so extreme that he rarely offers much help in constructing moves, preferring instead to remain central and sniff out opportunities in and around the box.
Default Player Instructions
- Get Further Forward
- Fewer Risky Passes
Complete Forward
Variations
Positions:
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Support
- Attack
Game Description
A Complete Forward possesses all the technical attributes of a Deep Lying Forward, the goal scoring ability of a Poacher and the strength and power of a Target Man.
He is equally adept at playing in others, fashioning chances for himself and getting on the end of team moves. Such a player transcends tactical instruction and should simply be allowed to do his own thing.
With a Support duty the Complete Forward will look to drop into space, run at the defence, take long shots, drive to the flanks or play balls through the defensive line.
With an Attack duty the Complete Forward will lead the line, spearheading attacks and crafting out chances for himself and others.
Default Player Instructions
- Roam From Position
- Hold Up Ball
- Dribble More
- More Risky Passes
Attack only:
- Get Further Forward
- Move Into Channels
Defensive Forward
Variations
Positions:
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Defend
- Support
Game Description
The Defensive Forward is becoming more and more important in the modern game.
His main duty is to put pressure on the defensive line, chase down the man in possession and loose balls and generally stop the opposing defence having any time on the ball. In an attacking sense he keeps things as simple as possible, preferring to bring other players into the game than create his own chances.
With a Defend duty the Defensive Forward will stay a little deeper and put pressure on defensive midfielders.
With a Support duty the Defensive Forward will press the back line and put pressure on the central defenders.
Default Player Instructions
- Close Down Much More
- Tackle Harder
- Hold Up Ball
- Fewer Risky Passes
Defend only:
- Hold Position
False Nine
Variations
Positions:
- Centre forward
Duties:
- Support
Game Description
The False Nine, in some ways similar to a more advanced attacking midfielder/playmaker role, is an unconventional lone striker or centre forward who drops deep into midfield. The purpose of this is that it creates a problem for opposing central defenders who can either follow him – leaving space behind them for onrushing midfielders, forwards or wingers to exploit – or leave him to have time and space to dribble or pick out a pass.
Default Player Instructions
- Move Into Channels
- More Risky Passes
